2026 Termite Swarm Alert: Why Seeing “Flying Ants” in Hampton Roads This Week Could Cost You Thousands
Don’t Let Your Home Get Eaten: Why an June Termite Inspection is Your Most Important 2026 Investment
June in Virginia Beach is beautiful, but it’s also the start of what we in the industry call “Swarm Season.” With the specific moisture levels we’ve seen across the 757 this summer, the conditions are perfect for one of the most destructive events a homeowner can witness: The Subterranean Termite Swarm.
At Universal Pest & Termite, we are already receiving calls from homeowners in Great Neck, Chesapeake, and Norfolk reporting “clouds of flying ants” in their kitchens or near their front porches.
Here is the hard truth: If you see “flying ants” inside your home this June, there is an 80% chance they aren’t ants at all. They are termite “alates,” and they are a signal that a massive colony is already living under your feet.
The Waist: Ants have a pinched, “wasp-like” waist. Termites have a broad, straight body.
The Antennae: Ants have elbowed (bent) antennae. Termites have straight, beaded antennae.
The Wings: This is the big one. An ant’s front wings are longer than its back wings. Termite wings are all the same length and are usually twice as long as their body.
Local Warning: In Virginia Beach and the surrounding Hampton Roads cities, we deal primarily with Eastern Subterranean Termites. Our high water table and sandy soil make our neighborhoods a gold mine for them.
Termite Protection FAQ: What Every Virginia Beach Homeowner Needs to Know
1. I only saw a few winged insects; do I really need a full treatment? Yes. A swarm is a sign of a mature colony. Spot-treating the few bugs you see is like picking a leaf off a weed—the root system is still there. Addressing the problem early is the only way to prevent structural damage.
2. How much does professional termite treatment cost? At Universal Pest & Termite, we believe in transparent, affordable protection. Our specialized liquid termite treatments start at just $395, providing a powerful barrier to protect your home’s foundation.
3. What is the Sentricon® System, and is it expensive? Sentricon is the gold standard in termite baiting, designed to eliminate the entire colony, including the queen. We make this premium protection accessible for every budget—you can get the Sentricon Termite Baiting System for just $39 a month.
4. Why are termites so active in Hampton Roads right now? Our local “June Showers” soak the ground, and as the soil warms up, termites are pushed toward the surface to expand. Because many homes in our area have crawlspaces, they have a direct “highway” from the wet soil into your floor joists.
5. Does my homeowners’ insurance cover termite damage? Almost never. Most policies consider termite activity preventable maintenance. This is why a $59/month termite protection plan is a smart investment compared to the thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket repair costs homeowners face after a termite infestation.
Protect Your Home with the Universal “Summer Shield”
Don’t spend your summer worrying about what’s crawling in your crawlspace. Because we live and work right here in Tidewater, we know exactly where these pests hide.
For the month of June, Universal Pest & Termite is offering:
Comprehensive Termite Inspections: We check the “hot zones” unique to Virginia coastal homes.
Sentricon Protection: Total colony elimination for just $39/month.
Notice something flying? Don’t wait until the damage is done.
Call Universal Pest & Termite today or click [HERE] to schedule your Free 2026 Summer Inspection!
The Universal Advantage: More Than Just Pest Control
When you choose Universal Pest & Termite, you’re getting more than a bug guy—you’re getting a team of home health experts. We work hand-in-hand with our sister company, Universal Insulation Doctor, to provide a truly integrated approach to protecting your property. In Hampton Roads, pests like ants and termites aren’t just looking for food; they are looking for the moisture and nesting material found in old, contaminated attic and crawlspace insulation. While we handle the invaders, the “Doctor” specializes in removing pest-damaged insulation and installing energy-efficient, pest-resistant barriers. By treating the pest and the environment they live in simultaneously, we offer a level of protection that standard pest companies simply can’t match.
Dealing with pests at home?
Get a free, no-obligation quote from Hampton Roads' trusted local pest & termite experts.
Request a Free Quote
24/7 Immediate Response for all of the 757 — or call (757) 502-0200
Our agent Olivia will message you via text immediately after you submit this form. She can answer all of your questions and schedule appointments. You can also get immediate assistance via phone or email.
Not every pest control company in Hampton Roads offers the same thing. Here is a straight comparison of what you get with Universal Pest Control and what is common elsewhere in the industry.
Comparison of Universal Pest & Termite, Inc. against common practice among other pest control companies serving Hampton Roads.
What to compare
Universal Pest Control
Most pest control companies
UniGuard ProgramExclusive
Universal Pest Control
Termite protection and full pest control combined in one membership for one low monthly payment — from $59/month, with the termite warranty and quarterly pest service included together.
Most pest control companies
Termite protection and pest control are usually sold as two separate agreements, with two renewals and two bills to keep track of.
SmartPay financingExclusive
Universal Pest Control
$0-down payment options on termite treatments, baiting systems, and repairs, so the work can start before payday. Simple, predictable monthly payments.
Most pest control companies
Financing, where it is offered, is commonly arranged separately through a third-party lender.
Pest Guard Attic Insulation™Exclusive
Universal Pest Control
Hampton Roads' only licensed Pest Guard Insulation™ installer, through our sister company Universal Insulation Doctor — insulation manufactured with an EPA-registered pest preventative, so the replacement itself resists the insects that ruined the original.
Most pest control companies
Attic insulation is typically referred out, and standard fiberglass has no pest deterrent built into the material.
Total Home Health Network
Universal Pest Control
Pest and termite control, attic insulation, and duct cleaning coordinated under one roof through the Universal family of companies — one point of contact for the whole job, done in the right order.
Most pest control companies
Pest control only. Insulation and duct work are usually booked with separate vendors on separate timelines.
A+ BBB rating
Universal Pest Control
BBB accredited since 2007 with an A+ rating, earned through consistent, honest work in the same community.
Most pest control companies
Accreditation and ratings vary by company — worth checking before you book anyone.
26+ years in business
Universal Pest Control
Protecting Hampton Roads homes since 2000 — more than 26 years in the same market, with over 100,000+ homes serviced.
Most pest control companies
Tenure in the area varies widely; newer branches and recently opened franchises are common.
Family owned & operated
Universal Pest Control
Owned and run by a family that has lived in Hampton Roads their whole lives. The people who answer the phone and the crews at your door are your neighbors.
Most pest control companies
Ownership varies — many local branches are franchises of national brands, with crews dispatched from outside the area.
Guarantees in writing
Universal Pest Control
Pest-Free Guarantee and Termite-Free Guarantee: if pests come back between scheduled visits, so do we, at no extra charge. Free inspections, plus same-day and next-day service.
Most pest control companies
Retreatment terms, callback windows, and what counts as covered differ from contract to contract.
The highlighted Universal Pest & Termite column reflects services we provide directly or through the Universal family of companies. The “Most pest control companies” column describes common industry practice in general terms and is not a statement about any particular company — some companies may offer services that are similar, so ask any provider exactly what their plan, warranty, and quote include before you sign. Financing on approved credit.
